Johnny Depp to star in Transcendence?

Based on the 1966–1971 gothic soap opera of the same name, this supernatural dramedy film is directed by Tim Burton and stars Johnny Depp as a 200-year-old vampire by the name of Barnabas Collins. After being imprisoned in an underground tomb, Collins is accidentally freed and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection. Michelle Pfeiffer plays the role of Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, Barnabas' cousin and the reclusive matriarch of the Collins family.

The 'Dark Shadows' actor could play the lead in Oscar-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister's directorial debut, which is being described as a sci-fi thriller about a man who gets sucked into a malevolent, self-aware computer.

Wally said: ''I'm thrilled, and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Johnny. He is a creative and intelligent artist whom I feel will bring great depth to the character and the overall narrative.''

Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove, Alcon Entertainment CEOs, added: ''Johnny Depp is one of the most charismatic, talented actors imaginable and we are delighted he is with us on this project.''

Johnny is allegedly waiting to see a final draft of writer Jack Paglen's script before fully committing.

Wally - who won an Oscar for his work on 'Inception' - is 'The Dark Knight Rises' director Christopher Nolan's long-time cinematography partner and has made no secret of his desire to step behind the camera as director.

His collaboration with Christopher has spanned seven films, beginning in 1999 with 'Memento'.

Wally is currently considering casting the likes of Noomi Rapace, Tobey Maguire, Christoph Waltz and James McAvoy for other roles in the Warner Bros. movie, Empire reports.

Christopher and Emma Thompson confirmed they will be executive producing his filmmaking debut earlier this year.